iPhone XR vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone XR and iPhone XS?
iPhone XR vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £8.05 less than the iPhone XS.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone XR and iPhone XS, both released in 2018, differ mainly in screen quality, memory, battery size, and camera setup. The iPhone XR has a larger 6.1 inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen with a lower resolution, making it a good choice if you prefer a bigger display for video and everyday use. The iPhone XS offers a higher resolution 5.8 inch Super Retina OLED screen, which suits buyers wanting more detailed and vibrant visuals in a more compact size. The XR's bigger battery suits those who prioritise longer battery life, while the XS provides more RAM and a dual main camera for improved multitasking and photography. Storage options vary slightly, with the XR offering a 128GB choice not available for the XS.
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and physical design.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XR has a 2942 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This means the XR may last longer between charges, suiting users who want extended battery life for busy days or travel. The XS may need more frequent charging but remains capable for typical daily use.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone XR is larger and heavier at 150.9 mm tall, 75.7 mm wide, and 194 g compared to the XS's 143.6 mm height, 70.9 mm width, and 177 g weight. If you want a lighter and more compact phone, the XS fits better in smaller pockets and hands. The XR offers a bigger feel that some find easier to hold or use for media.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS performance
Performance involves the chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both devices use the Apple A12 Bionic chip, but the XS has more RAM and a different range of storage that may affect multitasking and capacity.
Chipset Similarity
Both the iPhone XR and iPhone XS run on the Apple A12 Bionic chip, so they offer similar processing power for apps, games, and system tasks. This makes them both capable for everyday performance needs.
RAM and Multitasking
The iPhone XS comes with 4 GB of RAM, while the iPhone XR has 3 GB. More RAM on the XS helps keep more apps active in the background and may improve smoothness when switching between demanding apps or multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone XR is available in 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB, giving you a mid-sized storage choice at 128 GB. The iPhone XS offers 64 GB and 256 GB, so if you want a middle storage option, the XR suits better. Both phones support unlocked use with eSIM and physical SIM.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality shapes how you view photos, videos, and apps. The iPhone XR and XS have different screen sizes, resolutions, and technologies, which influence sharpness, colour, and viewing comfort.
Screen Size and Type
The iPhone XR has a larger 6.1 inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen, giving more space to watch videos or browse. The iPhone XS has a smaller 5.8 inch Super Retina OLED screen, which offers richer colours and deeper blacks, ideal if you value vibrant picture quality in a smaller phone.
Resolution and Sharpness
The iPhone XS has a higher resolution of 1125 x 2436 compared to the XR's 828 x 1792. This higher pixel count means the XS displays sharper images and text, which benefits users who often read or view detailed content on their phone.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing sensors. Differences here affect photography options and video calls.
Camera Setup
The iPhone XR has a single 12 megapixel rear camera, suitable for straightforward photography and everyday snapshots. The iPhone XS has a dual 12 megapixel camera system, offering more versatility with an additional lens for zoom or portrait effects, which suits users interested in more advanced photography.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 7 megapixel front camera, providing similar quality for selfies and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS size and design
This section covers other practical differences including connectors, SIM options, and physical measurements that affect handling and compatibility.
SIM and Network
Both iPhone XR and XS support 4G networks and use a combination of physical SIM plus eSIM. Both are unlocked, allowing you to choose your carrier freely.
Connector Type
Both devices use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories, so your existing Lightning cables will work with either phone.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone XR is 8.3 mm thick, taller, wider, and heavier at 194 g, compared to the iPhone XS's thinner 7.7 mm profile and lighter 177 g weight. If you prefer a lighter phone that fits easily in one hand or small pockets, the XS is a better fit. The XR's size benefits users who want a larger screen and don't mind extra weight.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone XR or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £130.30, £8.05 less than the iPhone XS
- you want a bigger battery (2942 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 5.8 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 194 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone XR frequently mention its like-new condition and value for money. Many highlight the screen size as just right, especially for watching videos or everyday use. The battery health on refurbished XR units is often close to new, and users appreciate the speed and ease of setup. Some note the replacement batteries may not be official Apple parts, but this has not affected their satisfaction overall. The XR appeals to those wanting a larger screen and solid performance in a sturdy design.
For the iPhone XS, customers praise the phone's compact size and excellent screen quality. They report smooth performance and good battery life with typical day-to-day use. The dual camera setup is appreciated by those interested in photography. Some buyers note minor marks or screen issues in rare cases, but many find the phone feels like new and runs perfectly. The XS suits users looking for a smaller phone with a sharper display and more RAM for multitasking.
Both phones have strong customer approval, with the XR fitting well for those valuing screen size and battery life, while the XS suits buyers wanting a smaller, sharper screen and added camera features.
iPhone XR vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone XR vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone XS has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.
The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18. Updates for the iPhone XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
Refurbished, the iPhone XR comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
